If NBA Deal Is Ratified, Mavs Will Suit Up On Christmas

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – A day that included 15 hours of talks ended with a tentative agreement between NBA players and owners.

If the two sides ratify the agreement, the first game for the Dallas Mavericks will be on Christmas Day and they’ll face a familiar foe — the Miami Heat.

The expected holiday game would be played in Dallas, but the real present for Mavs players would be the long-awaited presentation of World Champion rings. The championship banner will also be hoisted high atop the American Airlines Center.

San Antonio Spurs owner and NBA labor relations committee chairman Peter Holt said he’s confident the deal is one both sides can agree upon

“We’re really excited. We’re excited for the fans,” he said. “We’re excited to start playing basketball.”

If the labor deal is ratified, the league would have a 66 game season, with the NBA Finals being held June 26.

Teams would play 48 games within their conference and 18 non-conference games.